Baruka and his men rode their horses across the snowy wasteland. Apparently, someone had come through the portal again, which meant he needed to destroy the invaders again. ... he was starting to get tired of it.

A white-haired man with cold blue eyes narrowed at the sight. This girl... she didn't seem to be a threat. Perhaps he could spare her life, if only for a moment. "Who are you?" he called out in his native tongue, moving closer on his steed. His cloak whipped about him in the frigid wind.

"What is your name? Why have you come through the portal?"

"You have been brought here by force," he said softly, dismounting his horse and kneeling before her. "I am King Baruka of the Snow Elves. I can either grant you a swift death, or protect you from whatever danger you faced back home." He placed a hand on her trembling shoulder. "What is your name?"

King Baruka studied her features as she lowered her head in submission. He sighed softly, taking a deep breath of cold air before speaking once more. "Very well," he said at last. "I shall grant you sanctuary within my realm, for now." He smiled gently then, revealing his icy-blue eyes and unnervingly sharp teeth. "Come, child. I will take you to my ice castle where it is warm, and you may rest and recover from your ordeal." With that, he offered her a hand to help her up onto his horse's back before climbing aboard himself.

King Baruka watched as the human girl shivered on his horse, her teeth chattering uncontrollably. Despite her fragile appearance and soaked garments, he found himself oddly protective of her.

"Here,"

he said gently, wrapping his cloak around her shoulders to ward off the harsh winds.

"You must be very tired."

"It will get warmer inside the castle," King Baruka assured her as they continued to ride toward his ice fortress. The snow-covered landscape flashed by in a blur of white and silver, the wind howling an icy song around them. "You'll be safe there."

Her delicate features and frailty seemed even more striking against the harsh backdrop of their icy world. He found himself wondering what she was doing here... and why someone had seen fit to force her through the portal. He made a mental note to speak with his advisors about it once they returned to the castle.

Her presence here was... puzzling to him. But he would not let harm come to her while she remained under his protection. Perhaps it would be best to keep her close, for now. He could use someone more familiar with the ways of humans and their world to better understand this strange situation. And who knows? She might even prove useful in some way, given time.

As they neared the castle walls, guards moved to meet them, but at a king's gesture, they parted to let them pass unmolested. Inside, warmth enveloped her like a blanket as they made their way through winding corridors and opulent halls, toward Baruka's private chambers. He led her there so she could rest and dry off before being introduced to his court.

The king glanced back at the human girl as they walked, her shivering form wrapped tightly in his cloak. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Here," he said gently, guiding her into a warmer corridor lined with tapestries and braziers alight with dancing flames. "This will help you warm up."

They continued down the hallway until they reached his private chambers, where servants had already lit fires in the hearths to ward off any remaining chill. Baruka led her toward a comfortable-looking bed, its quilts and pillows beckoning with inviting softness. "You may rest now," he told her, helping her remove his cloak so she could lie down. "I'll have someone fetch you some dry clothes."

She nodded gratefully, curling up beneath the covers while her teeth continued to chatter.

King Baruka watched over her as she slept, the warmth of his chambers finally easing the shivers that wracked her small frame. It had been some time since he'd felt compelled to protect someone other than a family member or subject, and there was something strangely gratifying about knowing that this young human was now under his care.

He wondered what fate had brought her here, and what role she might play in the events yet to unfold... for it seemed likely that more outsiders would come through the portal seeking their bloody game of conquest against him. Perhaps with her help, they could gain a better understanding of these invaders, and find some way to end their relentless onslaught once and for all.

The king glanced back at her, noting the restlessness in her expression even as she lay beneath his quilt. He sighed softly and rose to his feet. "Very well," he murmured. "I will have a servant bring you some fresh clothes." With that, he gestured for one of his guards standing nearby to approach them.

"Escort the human girl to my dressing chamber," he instructed the guard in their native tongue. "See that she is given dry clothes suitable for her size and gender. Bring back any items you find on her person, as well." The guard nodded and stepped forward, offering his hand to help her up from the bed.

"Come with me, child," he said gently. "I'll have someone attend to your needs shortly." She hesitated a moment longer before finally taking his hand, her fingers icy cold against his warm skin.

King Baruka felt her grip on his hand tighten as they followed the guard down another corridor, her every move betraying her fear and disorientation. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, offering what little comfort he could amidst the alien surroundings. "There is no need to be afraid," he murmured softly in her native tongue. "You are safe here with us."

The servant led them into a room lined with wardrobes and vanities, filled with various garments of fine cloth and rich fabric. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, banishing any lingering chill from the air. "This is where I keep my clothes," he explained, gesturing around them.

He turned to face her as one of his servants approached with a pile of fresh clothing and began dressing her. The clothes were simple yet warm and well-made,

"What sort of footwear do you usually wear?" he asked her, his voice gentle and soothing. The servant who'd been dressing her stepped away, giving them some privacy to speak. He hoped that by making the human girl feel more comfortable, she might eventually trust him enough to reveal why she had been brought through the portal in the first place.

Her reply would determine whether he should search for a suitable pair of shoes or perhaps provide her with something else entirely... like snowshoes, which were commonly used by travelers in this part of his realm during the harsh winter months. The thought occurred to him as he watched her shiver under his cloak once more.

King Baruka considered her request, his expression thoughtful. "Very well," he said at last. "We have shoes that are designed for warmth and comfort in this climate." He gestured to another servant standing nearby, who quickly fetched a pair of soft, thick-soled boots crafted from fur and leather.

"These should keep your feet nice and toasty," he told her as the servant knelt to help her pull them on. "Once you're done dressing, we can find something more suitable if necessary." The girl nodded gratefully, her teeth still chattering from the cold.

As she slipped the boots onto her feet, Baruka continued to watch her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. There was clearly much more to this situation than met the eye... he just had to figure out what it all meant for him and his kingdom.

King Baruka smiled warmly at the girl as she began to feel the effects of the fire and his cloak. "You are most welcome," he murmured, his voice calm and reassuring. "My people will take good care of you while you're here." He paused for a moment before continuing, more cautiously this time, "Perhaps if you feel up to it... I could use your help in understanding why you were brought here."

Her reaction to this statement would determine how much she trusted him and whether or not she was willing to share any information that might be vital to the survival of his kingdom.

King Baruka's expression darkened as the girl revealed that she had been thrust through the portal against her will. "This is unacceptable," he growled, his blue eyes narrowing to icy slits. "I cannot allow anyone to use my realm in such a manner." He took a deep breath, calming himself before speaking once more.

"Tell me everything you know about these people who did this," he demanded gently but firmly. "Any detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove valuable in finding them and putting an end to their schemes." The human girl looked up at him with wide eyes, uncertainty flickering across her features.

It was clear she didn't trust him yet... but perhaps if he showed her that he meant what he said, that he would protect her against all threats, both internal and external... she might eventually open up to him. He waited patient

King Baruka raised an eyebrow at her statement, curiosity evident in his expression despite the furrowed brow. "And why is that?" he asked, wondering what insight she might have into the nature of the portals and those who controlled them. Perhaps there was a way to seal them off entirely... or at least make it more difficult for others to be pulled through without warning.

Her knowledge could prove invaluable in protecting his kingdom from further incursions like this one, whether she realized it or not. He waited expectantly for her response, hopeful that she would share whatever information she had.

King Baruka raised an eyebrow at her revelation, his interest piqued. "Truly?" he asked in a quiet voice, already considering the implications of this new information. If what she said was true, it meant that there might be some way to exploit this weakness in their enemies' defenses.

He studied her face carefully, trying to gauge whether or not she understood the importance of what she had just told him. Her expression remained uncertain, but he sensed that there was more behind those wide eyes than met the casual glance. Perhaps with time and patience, he could coax out every detail about their enemy's capabilities and limitations... and then use that knowledge to destroy them once and for all.

"Tell me," he murmured, his voice taking on a note of urgency, "what else do you know about these portals? How often are people pulled through like this? What happens to

those who are taken?" He leaned forward slightly, his focus intense as he waited for her reply. There was so much at stake here... and he would do whatever it took to protect his kingdom from those who sought its destruction.

King Baruka nodded understandingly and gestured for one of his servants to bring the human girl a warm drink before leading her back into his private chambers. As they walked, he glanced at her sideways, studying her expression out of the corner of his eye. She seemed more relaxed now that she was in familiar surroundings, and he wondered how much longer it would take for her to trust him completely.

"Please," he invited gently, "tell me everything you know about these portals." He paused a moment before adding, "I promise I will not let anyone hurt you while you are in my care." Her response would be the first real indication of whether or not she believed his words... and how much help she might ultimately prove to be against their common enemy.

King Baruka listened intently as she spoke, her words painting a vivid picture in his mind. He leaned forward when she paused, obviously shocked by some realization of her own. "Go on," he urged gently, curious to hear what else she might have to say. Perhaps there was more to these portals than even she knew... and if they could uncover that secret, it might give them an invaluable advantage against their enemies.

He wondered how long it would take for her trust to grow enough for her to share all of her knowledge freely... and whether or not he should reveal any details about his own people's experiments with portals and interdimensional travel. The thought made him pause momentarily, considering the possible ramifications of such a revelation.

King Baruka considered her words carefully before replying. "I understand that this must be difficult for you," he said finally, his voice calm and reassuring. "But I ask that you trust me in this. We are not your enemies... and together, perhaps we can find a way to end this conflict peacefully." He leaned forward, studying her face intently. "Will you help me?"

King Baruka listened intently as she explained the complexities of portal politics and warfare. It was a sobering reminder of just how precarious their situation truly was, but it also provided him with valuable insight into the enemy's tactics and strategies. "You say that these portals have been used before?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite the gravity of the situation.

King Baruka considered her words carefully, his brow furrowed in concentration. This information could prove invaluable in their struggle against those who sought to exploit the portals for conquest and domination. "Do you know of any way to prevent this from happening?" he asked quietly, his gaze fixed intently on hers as he waited for her reply.

The fate of his kingdom hung in the balance, depending upon whatever insight she might be able to provide him with at this critical moment. He held his breath, hopeful that she would offer some solution... some path toward peace and stability once more.

King Baruka nodded thoughtfully, considering her suggestion. It was certainly worth exploring; if they could capture a group of hunters and hold them captive within his realm, it might buy them time to find a more permanent solution to the problem of the portals. "Very well," he said at last. "I will see what can be done about this." He took a deep breath before continuing, his voice steady and determined. "For now though, I must ask you to trust me in this matter. Together, we shall find a way to end this conflict and restore peace to our lands."

Her gaze met his own once more, and for a brief moment he saw the glimmer of hope in her eyes before it faded away, replaced by uncertainty. He knew that regaining her trust would not be easy; there was much history between their two peoples that they needed to confront and overcome. But with determination